Difference between excedrin and tylenol. Excedrin Extra Strength vs. Tylenol Extra Strength: Detailed Comparison
What is the difference between Excedrin Extra Strength and Tylenol Extra Strength? Get a detailed comparison of their uses, ratings, side effects, and more.
Excedrin Extra Strength vs. Tylenol Extra Strength: Key Differences
Excedrin Extra Strength and Tylenol Extra Strength are both over-the-counter pain relievers, but they have some key differences:
Active Ingredients
Excedrin Extra Strength contains a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, while Tylenol Extra Strength contains only acetaminophen.
Approved Uses
Excedrin Extra Strength is approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis, migraines, and general pain/fever, while Tylenol Extra Strength is approved for sciatica, muscle pain, pain, and fever.
Ratings and Reviews
Excedrin Extra Strength has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 on Drugs.com, with 67% of reviewers reporting a positive effect. Tylenol Extra Strength has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10, with 48% of reviewers reporting a positive effect.
Excedrin Extra Strength: Overview
Excedrin Extra Strength is an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. It is primarily used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, migraines, and general pain/fever. Excedrin may also be used for purposes not listed in its medication guide.
Excedrin Extra Strength Ratings and Reviews
Excedrin Extra Strength has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 on Drugs.com, based on 39 reviews. 67% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 31% reported a negative effect.
Tylenol Extra Strength: Overview
Tylenol Extra Strength is an over-the-counter pain reliever that contains only acetaminophen as its active ingredient. It is an effective mild pain reliever with a low risk of side effects. Tylenol Extra Strength is primarily used for the treatment of sciatica, muscle pain, general pain, and fever. It may also be used for purposes not listed in its medication guide.
Tylenol Extra Strength Ratings and Reviews
Tylenol Extra Strength has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 on Drugs.com, based on 30 reviews. 48% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 34% reported a negative effect.
Key Comparison: Excedrin Extra Strength vs. Tylenol Extra Strength
When comparing Excedrin Extra Strength and Tylenol Extra Strength, the main differences are:
- Active Ingredients: Excedrin contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, while Tylenol contains only acetaminophen.
- Approved Uses: Excedrin is approved for osteoarthritis, migraines, and general pain/fever, while Tylenol is approved for sciatica, muscle pain, pain, and fever.
- Ratings and Reviews: Excedrin has a higher average rating of 7.1 out of 10, with 67% of reviewers reporting a positive effect, compared to Tylenol’s average rating of 5.9 out of 10 and 48% of reviewers reporting a positive effect.
Side Effects of Excedrin Extra Strength
Some common side effects of Excedrin Extra Strength include:
- Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness, headache
- Ringing in the ears
- Allergic reactions
See the full list of Excedrin side effects for more information.
Side Effects of Tylenol Extra Strength
Some common side effects of Tylenol Extra Strength include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rash
- Liver damage (with overdose)
See the full list of Tylenol side effects for more information.
Pricing and Availability
Both Excedrin Extra Strength and Tylenol Extra Strength are available over-the-counter and as lower-cost generic versions. Pricing will vary by location and retailer, but Excedrin tends to be slightly more expensive than Tylenol.
Which is Better: Excedrin Extra Strength or Tylenol Extra Strength?
The “better” option between Excedrin Extra Strength and Tylenol Extra Strength will depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Factors to consider include:
- Intended use (e.g. migraines vs. muscle pain)
- Sensitivity to the active ingredients
- Ratings and reviews
- Cost and availability
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new over-the-counter medication. They can help determine the most appropriate and safest option based on the individual’s medical history and needs.
Excedrin vs Tylenol Comparison – Drugs.com
Excedrin vs Tylenol Comparison – Drugs.com
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| More about Excedrin (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine) | More about Tylenol (acetaminophen) | ||||||||
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Lower-cost generic is available | Lower-cost generic is available | ||||||||
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Excedrin has an average rating of | Tylenol has an average rating of | ||||||||
View all 39 reviews | View all 30 reviews | ||||||||
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See also: Excedrin side effects in more detail. | See also: Tylenol side effects in more detail. | ||||||||
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Get free Discount Card | Get free Discount Card | ||||||||
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10 hours | 2.5 hours | ||||||||
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Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. | Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. | ||||||||
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See the full pregnancy warnings document. | See the full pregnancy warnings document. | ||||||||
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A total of 463 drugs are known to interact with Excedrin:
| A total of 112 drugs are known to interact with Tylenol:
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Excedrin Migraine vs Tylenol Extra Strength: What is the difference?
79points
Excedrin Migraine
81points
Tylenol Extra Strength
Comparison winner
vs
59 facts in comparison
Excedrin Migraine
Tylenol Extra Strength
Why is Excedrin Migraine better than Tylenol Extra Strength?
- Is anti-inflammatory?
- Not linked to constipation?
- 2 higher daily limit?
8vs6 - 250mg more aspirin content?
250mgvs0mg - 65mg more caffeine content?
65mgvs0mg - Not linked to diarrhea?
- Not linked to loss of appetite?
- Not linked to easy bruising in case of overdose?
Why is Tylenol Extra Strength better than Excedrin Migraine?
- Targets toothaches?
- Targets rheumatic pain?
- 250mg more paracetamol content?
500mgvs250mg - Targets muscular pain?
- Can be used to treat cold and flu symptoms?
- 25 more pills in the box?
325vs300 - Not linked to heartburn?
- Not linked to Reye’s syndrome?
Panadol Advance
vs
Panadol Extra Advance
Tylenol Arthritis Pain
vs
Tylenol Extra Strength
Advil
vs
Nurofen Plus
Excedrin Migraine
vs
Midol Complete Caplets
Aleve Liquid Gels
vs
Aleve Tablets
Excedrin Migraine
vs
Midol Extended Relief
Excedrin Migraine
vs
Tylenol Extra Strength
Tylenol Extra Strength
vs
Tylenol PM
Aleve Caplets
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Excedrin Extra Strength
Midol Complete Caplets
vs
Tylenol Extra Strength
Composition
ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.
The painkilling effects of ibuprofen take effect immediately, however the anti-inflammatory effects can take as long as a week.
paracetamol
Paracetamol (or acetaminophen as it is known in the US) is classified as a mild analgesic. It suppresses the feeling of pain, but does little to treat the cause.
aspirin
Aspirin can be used as an analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory.
caffeine
Studies have shown that caffeine can boost the effectiveness of many analgesics, resulting in better, faster acting pain relief.
codeine
Codeine is an opiate used to treat mild to moderate pain. Opiates can alter the mood, sometimes resulting in feelings of euphoria. This can be beneficial for pain relief, however it can become addictive and withdrawal symptoms are common.
Has more than one active ingredient
✔Excedrin Migraine
✖Tylenol Extra Strength
The product contains more than one active ingredient. These combinations usually compliment each other and sometimes one ingredient can improve the effectiveness of the other.
naproxen
Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory which can be used to treat a variety of symptoms of pain.
Effects
Targets toothaches
✖Excedrin Migraine
✔Tylenol Extra Strength
Toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jawbone, often caused by tooth decay.
Is anti-inflammatory
✔Excedrin Migraine
✖Tylenol Extra Strength
Anti- inflammatory drugs are particularly good for things like muscle and joint pain, as they not only block out the pain but also target the cause.
Is antipyretic (fever reducing)
✔Excedrin Migraine
✔Tylenol Extra Strength
Antipyretic medications help to lower the body temperature. This can help to make patients feel better, however it is not always recommended, as the temperature increase can be a natural defense to fight infections.
Targets rheumatic pain
✖Excedrin Migraine
✔Tylenol Extra Strength
Rheumatic pain is pain in the joints and connective tissues, most commonly caused by arthritis.
Targets muscular pain
✖Excedrin Migraine
✔Tylenol Extra Strength
Muscle pain can be caused by exercise or other stresses, as well as infections such as flu.
Targets migraines
✔Excedrin Migraine
✔Tylenol Extra Strength
A migraine is a very severe headache, often accompanied with other sensory signs such as flashing lights, blind spots, tingling and light sensitivity. Migraine sufferers often struggle to find adequate relief.
Not linked to bloating
✖Excedrin Migraine
✖Tylenol Extra Strength
Bloating, usually in the abdomen, is an uncomfortable swollen feeling. It is usually caused by a build-up of fluid or gas.
Not linked to constipation
✔Excedrin Migraine
✖Tylenol Extra Strength
Constipation means having difficulty with regular bowel movements.
No naproxen-associated heart risk
✔Excedrin Migraine
✔Tylenol Extra Strength
Naproxen may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it for an extended period of time.
Does
Tylenol (acetaminophen) thin the blood? – Drink-Drink
Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer that is the brand name for acetaminophen. This medication is usually used along with other pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
While some people take aspirin because of its mild blood-thinning effect, Tylenol does not thin the blood. However, there are still a few important things to know about Tylenol and how it works when choosing between using it and other pain relievers, including blood thinners.
How Tylenol works
Although acetaminophen has been around for over 100 years, scientists are still not 100 percent sure how it works. There are many working theories.
One of the most common is that it blocks certain types of cyclooxygenase enzymes. These enzymes work to create chemical messengers called prostaglandins. Among other tasks, prostaglandins transmit messages that signal pain and lead to fever.
In particular, acetaminophen can stop the formation of prostaglandins in the nervous system. It does not block prostaglandins in most other body tissues. This distinguishes acetaminophen from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, which also reduce inflammation in tissues.
While this is the most widely accepted theory of how Tylenol works, researchers are also looking into how it can potentially affect other aspects of the central nervous system. This includes receptors such as serotonin and endocannabinoid.
It may seem unusual that doctors don’t know exactly how Tylenol works. However, there are many drugs available on the market today with a similar history that are safe when used as directed.
Tylenol Benefits
Tylenol is largely a safe and effective pain and fever reducer. Because doctors believe that Tylenol mainly affects the central nervous system, it is less likely to irritate the stomach compared to aspirin and ibuprofen.
In addition, Tylenol does not affect the blood and blood clotting, as does aspirin. This makes it safer for people who are already taking blood thinners or who are at risk of bleeding.
Physicians generally recommend Tylenol as the preferred pain reliever during pregnancy. Other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects.
Tylenol disadvantages
Tylenol can damage your liver if you take too much.
When you take Tylenol, your body breaks it down into a compound called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone. Normally, the liver breaks down this compound and releases it. However, if there is too much of it, the liver cannot break it down and this damages the liver tissue.
It is also possible to accidentally take too much acetaminophen. The acetaminophen found in Tylenol is a common addition to many medications. This includes narcotic pain relievers and pain relievers that may contain caffeine or other ingredients.
A person may take the recommended dose of Tylenol and not know that their other medications contain acetaminophen. That’s why it’s important to read medication labels carefully and always tell your doctor about all medications you take.
Also, for those who want a pain reliever that also has blood thinning or anti-inflammatory properties, Tylenol does not offer them.
Tylenol versus blood thinners
Both Tylenol and aspirin are over-the-counter pain relievers. However, unlike Tylenol, aspirin also has some antiplatelet (clotting) properties.
Aspirin blocks the formation of a compound called thromboxane A2 in blood platelets. Platelets are responsible for sticking together to form a clot when you have a cut or wound that bleeds.
Although aspirin does not stop blood from clotting completely (you will still stop bleeding if cut), it does reduce the chance of blood clots. This can be helpful in preventing strokes and heart attacks, which can be caused by blood clots.
There is no drug that can reverse the effects of aspirin. Only time and the creation of new platelets can do that.
It’s important to know that aspirin is also found in some other over-the-counter products, but is not as widely advertised. Examples include Alka-Seltzer and Excedrin. Read medication labels carefully to make sure you don’t accidentally take aspirin in more than one way.
Safety of taking Tylenol with blood thinners
If you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, or Eliquis, your doctor may recommend taking Tylenol for pain instead of aspirin or ibuprofen. Some people take both aspirin and other blood thinners, but only on the advice of a doctor.
Doctors generally do not recommend taking Tylenol if you have liver problems. This includes cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis. When the liver is already damaged, the doctor may suggest taking pain medication that does not potentially affect the liver.
Choice of pain medication
Tylenol, NSAIDs and aspirin can be effective pain relievers.
However, there may be situations where one pain reliever is better than another.
I am 17 and need pain medication. What should I take?
Avoid taking aspirin as it increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome in people aged 18 years and younger. Tylenol and ibuprofen can be effective and safe when taken as directed.
I have a muscle strain and need pain medication. What should I take?
If you have a muscle injury in addition to pain, taking an NSAID (such as naproxen or ibuprofen) may help reduce the inflammation causing the pain. Tylenol is also good in this case, but it will not relieve inflammation.
I have a history of bleeding ulcers and need pain medication. What should I take?
If you have a history of ulcers, indigestion, or gastrointestinal bleeding, taking Tylenol may reduce your risk of further bleeding compared to aspirin or ibuprofen.
Conclusion
Tylenol can be a safe and effective pain reliever and antipyretic when taken as directed.
It does not have a blood-thinning effect like aspirin.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should only avoid Tylenol if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of liver problems.
Does Tylenol thin the blood? How does it compare to aspirin and others? This medicine is usually used in combination with other pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
While some people take aspirin for its mild blood-thinning effect, Tylenol does not thin the blood. However, there are some more important things about Tylenol and how it works when choosing between it and other pain relievers, including blood thinner.
content
How Tylenol works
Although acetaminophen has been around for over 100 years, scientists are still not 100 percent sure how it works. There are many working theories.
One of the most common is that it blocks certain cyclooxygenase enzymes. These enzymes work to create chemical messengers called prostaglandins.
Among other tasks, prostaglandins transmit messages that signal pain and lead to fever.
In particular, acetaminophen can stop the production of prostaglandins in the nervous system. It does not block prostaglandins in most other body tissues. Thus, acetaminophen is different from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, which also relieve tissue inflammation.
While this is the most widely accepted theory of how Tylenol works, researchers are also looking into how it could potentially affect other aspects of the central nervous system. These include receptors such as serotonin and endocannabinoids.
It may seem strange that doctors don’t know exactly how Tylenol works. However, there are many drugs on the market today with a similar history that are safe when used as directed.
Tylenol Benefits
Tylenol is largely safe and effective in reducing pain and fever. Because doctors believe that Tylenol acts primarily on the central nervous system, it is less likely to irritate the stomach compared to aspirin and ibuprofen.
In addition, Tylenol does not affect the blood and blood clotting, as does aspirin. This makes it safer for people who are already drawing blood or who are at risk of bleeding.
Doctors usually recommend Tylenol as a pain reliever during pregnancy. Taking other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, is associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects.
Tylenol disadvantages
Tylenol can damage your liver if you take too much.
When you take Tylenol, your body breaks down into a compound called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone. The liver normally breaks down this compound and releases it. However, if there is too much of it, the liver cannot break it down and it damages the liver tissue.
It is also possible to accidentally take too much acetaminophen. The acetaminophen found in Tylenol is a common addition to many medications. These include pain relievers and pain relievers that may contain caffeine or other ingredients.
A person may be taking the recommended dose of Tylenol and not know that other medicines contain acetaminophen.
That’s why it’s important to read medication labels carefully and always tell your doctor about all medications you take.
Also, for those who want a pain reliever that also has blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory properties, Tylenol doesn’t offer them.
Tylenol versus blood thinners
Both Tylenol and aspirin are over-the-counter pain relievers. However, unlike Tylenol, aspirin also has some antiplatelet (clotting) properties.
Aspirin blocks the production of a compound called thromboxane A2 in blood platelets. Platelets are responsible for sticking together to form a clot when you have an incision or bleeding wound.
Although aspirin does not prevent complete blood clotting (you will still stop bleeding after an incision, it reduces the chance of blood clotting. This may be helpful in preventing stroke and heart attack, which can result from blood clots.
There are no drugs that can reverse the effects of aspirin. This can only be achieved with time and the creation of new platelets.
It’s important to know that aspirin is also found in some other over-the-counter products, but is not as widely advertised. Examples include Alka-Seltzer and Excedrin. Reading drug labels carefully can ensure you don’t accidentally take aspirin in several ways.
Safety of taking Tylenol with blood thinners
If you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, or Eliquis, your doctor may recommend Tylenol instead of aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief. Some take aspirin and other blood thinners, but only on the advice of a doctor.
Doctors generally do not recommend taking Tylenol if you have liver problems. These include cirrhosis or hepatitis. When the liver is already damaged, the doctor may suggest taking pain medication that does not potentially affect the liver.
Choice of pain relief
Tylenol, NSAIDs and aspirin can be effective pain relievers. However, there may be certain scenarios in which one pain reliever is better than another.